Jesse Love Battles Back to 11th at Darlington After Pit Road Setback

March 23, 2026

DARLINGTON, S.C. (March 21, 2026) — Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway tested drivers with its trademark “Lady in Black” toughness, and Jesse Love rose to the challenge with a determined performance in the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet.

Love started 10th and showed strong early pace, advancing through the field to finish 7th in Stage 1, collecting valuable points. As track conditions evolved, the Richard Childress Racing driver continued to battle inside the top 15, finishing 14th in Stage 2.

The turning point of Love’s race came during a pit road sequence when the No. 18 of William Sawalich made contact with the rear of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet, sending Love backwards into his pit box. The incident forced the team to restart at the rear of the field on a notoriously difficult track to pass.

Despite the setback, Love methodically worked his way back through traffic over the closing laps, showcasing patience and racecraft to secure an 11th-place finish in the 147-lap event.

The race itself featured a dramatic finish, with Justin Allgaier taking the victory after a late restart, while dominant early leader Kyle Larson led over 100 laps before late pit road issues shuffled the order.

With the result, Love remains firmly in the championship hunt, currently sitting second in NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series points, just 52 markers behind the leader as the season continues to build momentum.

Love and the No. 2 team now turn their focus to the next challenge at Martinsville Speedway, where short-track racing will once again put drivers’ discipline and precision to the test.

About Jesse Love

Jesse Love is a rising star in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, competing full-time for Richard Childress Racing. Known for his consistency, racecraft, and maturity beyond his years, Love continues to establish himself as a championship contender in 2026.

About Whelen Engineering

Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of emergency warning equipment for automotive, aviation, and mass notification industries. Their continued support of motorsports reflects a commitment to performance, safety, and innovation.